2007-12-03

I'm sorta doing the Release Day pre-release Happy Dance. Today's the day that
Let Me Count the Ways is supposed to be released. And yet, at last count, it's still apparently LAST week at Liquid Silver Books.

Not to worry, I'm sure they're just a little busy and will get to it very, very soon. In the meantime, here's the blurb and a cover pic and an excerpt--cause you know how I love my excerpts...

Let Me Count the Ways

Blurb:

As the owner of The Body Electric, LA’s hottest new exercise studio, sexy, former film star Claire Calhoun has her pick of studly young men eager to do her bidding. Small wonder she’s used to calling the shots, both in and out of bed. But everything changes the night the actress-turned-entrepreneur has one mojito too many at a party and decides it would be fun to pick up her accountant, Mike Sherman. She's thinking fling. He's thinking forever.

Claire has been Mike's fantasy since the first time he saw her bare it all for the camera. Now, she's in his bed and he'll do whatever’s necessary to keep her there. But he's not a stalker, right? He's just a devoted fan.

Excerpt:

This scene (which is in Mike's POV) takes place shortly after Claire has asked Mike to take her home. He's completely misunderstood her intentions, and thinks she's not feeling well...

"Where to?’ I asked as I pulled away from the gallery entrance.

Claire didn’t answer right away. She seemed distracted—as she had ever since the valet pulled the Jag up to the curb. "Well... I don’t know." Her gaze was thoughtful as she glanced around at the car’s interior. "How would you feel about taking a drive along Mulholland first to get some air? Maybe stop for a moment to see the lights?"

"Air?" She mustn’t be feeling well, I thought and groaned inwardly. Shit. Isn’t that great? I’m really not overly anal when it comes to my possessions, but I happen to love my car—a classic Jaguar, built in the years before all the electrical problems; before the company was taken over by GM. I really hated the idea of anyone getting sick all over the upholstery. Even Claire. If a little fresh air was going to prevent that, "Mulholland it is."

Neither of us said anything as we sped along the mostly deserted streets. I was just praying that the winding road wouldn’t make her even more sick.

The turnout that you always see in movies is all the way at the western end of the highway, close to where the pavement stops. I was pretty certain she wouldn’t want to drive that far, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way to admire the view. I pulled into the first likely spot and turned off the ignition.

Claire removed her seatbelt but she made no move to open the door, which I took to be a good sign.

"How are you feeling now?" I asked, watching as she stared at the lights below us.

She laughed a little, as though I’d said something funny. "You know, I used to drive up here all the time, when I was younger, when I was new to LA and depressed about my career. Somehow, it always seemed to help me put things in perspective. I’d sit up here and listen to the radio and try to remember why I was putting myself through all that misery. So, I guess... compared to then... I’m feeling pretty good right now. How about you?"

"Me?" I thought about that. There I was, in the middle of a clear, star-studded night, parked atop the Hollywood Hills, with Claire Calhoun in the passenger seat of my Jaguar. I didn’t really see how things could get much better than that. But, at a time when I should be feeling like the king of the world, what was the main thing on my mind? Something I never thought I’d be worried about. Carpet cleaner. Un-freaking-believable. I shook my head, pushed all thoughts of cleaning products from my mind and smiled. "I’m fantastic."

"Are you?" She slanted me an amused glance, then looked away again, running the fingers of her right hand along the wood of the dash. "So, tell me about your car. It’s a Jaguar, right? I can’t believe..."

"What?" I asked, mesmerized by her fingers, wondering if she could possibly have been reading my mind. Or did she just think it an unlikely vehicle for an accountant to drive?

"Nothing." She shook her head and prompted. "The car?"

I shrugged. "Not that much to tell, really. I just always... well, I’d seen this exact car in a showroom years ago—this model, I mean—back when it was new. It was love at first sight. I must’ve gone back there oh, a dozen or so times, just to sit in it. Never even took it out for a test drive. I think I was afraid to. Afraid I wouldn’t want to bring it back. I was young then, just starting out, couldn’t come close to affording it. I mean... it wasn’t even in the realm of possibility, at that point. It was just... a dream, you know?"

"So what happened?" she asked quietly.

I sighed. "Nothing happened. After a couple of weeks, I gave in to the inevitable and bought something else. It was damned hard having to settle for something—for anything—less when my heart was set on this, but what could I do? I told myself ‘some day’ but, then, later, when I had a little more money, there were always other things that seemed more pressing, more important, more practical. I found a piece of land I fell in love with, built a house; that took money. Plus, the newer Jags... well, they just weren’t the same. So, I guess I just put it from my mind. But then, a couple of years ago, I was in the market for a new car, once again, and I came across an ad for this one—used, in need of a little work, selling for a song. It’s not what I’d been looking for. In fact, by then, I’d pretty much given up on the dream entirely. But, when it came right down to it, it was My Car. How could I resist? I had to buy it."

Claire was looking at me strangely when I finished talking. "That is a very romantic story."

"You think so?"

"Mm-hm. And it’s a beautiful car."

Well, that part I agreed with. "It is. It’s a classic. Beautiful, elegant, it can’t ever really go out of style. And it handles... well, like I always knew it would." Suddenly, I remembered that she wasn’t feeling well. "I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gone on so long. You must be bored."

Claire shook her head. "Not a bit. And don’t be sorry. I asked, remember?" Then she flashed that wonderful smile at me again. "Why don’t we get going now?"

I nodded, feeling just a little sorry because this was a moment I knew wouldn’t likely come again. It would have been nice to stretch it out a little longer.

If only she were feeling better. If only I’d thought to pack a picnic, a blanket, a bottle of wine. But, given the circumstances—really not a good idea. I’d started the car when I remembered, "I still don’t know where you live."

"That’s all right," she said as she re-fastened her seatbelt. "I don’t want to go there anyway."

My eyebrows rose. "Well, then, where are we going?"

Her hands stilled on the buckle. She looked at me questioningly. "I thought... your house. No?"

"My house?"

She nodded. "Mm-hm. You know, the one you said you helped design? I’m intrigued. I’d really like to see it."

"But... that’s... that’s all the way out in Topanga Canyon." Surely she didn’t expect me to drive all the way out there, then back here, then back out there again? All in one night? Or was she so drunk the idea seemed reasonable?

Claire’s lips quirked. "I know where it is. Is there a problem?"

I sighed. That would be a Yes on the drunk question, wouldn’t it? "Look, Claire, that’s a little far for a joy ride, don’t you think?" I hinted, as gently as I could.

"Weren’t you planning on going home tonight anyway?"

"Yes. Once. But not... not two or three times." Not that the idea of spending all that time alone with her wasn’t heavenly but... well, no, damn it, this was not quite what I’d had in mind. "I know I said the drive back into town only takes a matter of minutes but, even so, those minutes do add up. And I’ve driven out there and back once tonight already. Besides, it’s getting a little late. Wouldn’t you rather I just take you home now?"

Claire was staring at me fixedly, as though attempting to puzzle something out. Finally, "Michael, I thought you understood? When I asked you to take me home I meant I wanted to spend the night with you."

This time, I knew for certain I was hearing things. I shook my head, hoping to clear it. "Spend the night?"

She nodded. "With you. Yes. Is something wrong?"

The only thing wrong was the way the blood had left my skull, headed straight for my dick. Somehow, I’d have thought that would make my brain feel clearer, but it didn’t. "Just—Jesus, how much did you have to drink back there anyhow?"

Laughing, Claire slipped her seatbelt off again. She leaned in close and lifted one of her hands to frame my face. Her fingers felt as cool as they had before; but this was even better than before because this time she was touching me on purpose. Her eyes were dark, her smile was sultry and her voice and her words were something out of a dream. "You’re a very sweet man, Mike. You shouldn’t sell yourself short." Then she kissed me.

For a moment, I think I forgot who either of us was. We were simply Man and Woman and nothing had ever felt more right. Her lips were soft, her scent was sweet and everything male in me responded. Mine. Fierce and insistent, the instinct to claim her, to take her as my own—now, tonight, forever—overrode everything else.

I kissed her back, tugging her hard against me, my tongue coaxing hers into play. Touching everything I could get my hands on, I practically tore the material of her dress as I sought for the zipper. Then my hands registered the feel of the sequined gown they were coasting over—the same glimmering garment I’d been trying, all evening, not to stare at. Suddenly, I remembered where I was and who I was with.

"Claire. Oh, my God. I’m sorry, I—"

She opened her eyes. Something dark flickered in their depths—heat and passion and something else. Alarm, maybe?

2007-10-12

Short post today. first a reminder that I'm on tour all month. Today's stop is at In Detail with Nikki Leigh: http://www.detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com
Nikki asked some very challenging questions. You know, the kind that really make you think? I tell you, even I'm learning new things about myself this month!
Also, I've got a new video!!
I'm going to try and embed it below, but if you can't see it here you can always go to YouTube and view it direct: http://www.youtube.com/v/VrsiDwzS39Q

2007-10-01

Well, I’m off on another virtual book tour this month. This one is dedicated to Love From A to Z...well, sorta, it’s funny how many times the interviews end up being about everything else!!
Today’s interview at Sheila Goss’s blog: Oh no Sheila didn’t! was especially tough—just ONE question. But you all know how much trouble I have with the little things.
Check it out here at:
http://sheliagoss.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/introducing-pg-forte/
I’ll be posting the tour stops as they show up (there’s a ‘week at a glance’ cheat sheet posted on my website) and Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book Promotions is offering a prize at the end of the tour—but to be entered to win you have to comment at every stop! Good luck!

2007-07-26

Because my newsletter has been so delayed this month. I'm coming out with it soon...any day now, really, I promise!! I've decided to post a part of it here. Especially since one of the books whose release it announces is due out today (such timing, I tell ya). So enjoy. And if you're interested in having the entire newsletter delivered to your in-box, here's the link again:

Hmm...looks like I’ll be the only release-free author in the pack next month. Sulking now. But hey, at least I’ll have lots of great, hot new stories to read while I pout AND I'll be busy anyway on tour:

For all the latest news regarding chats, contests, releases, reviews and so much more be sure to visit these two great Authors Groups of which I'm so very proud to be a part:

2007-07-15

Was it really just last week that I was wishing for a rave review of Love From A to Z?

Well, I guess this is one of those rare times when 'be careful what you wish for' really doesn't apply because I got just what I'd asked for and from what has to be the most unlikely source: Mrs. Giggles!

Who had this to say about it:

"for the most part, Love, From A To Z is a most enjoyable fairy-tale romance that captures the whole "poor trapped heiress finds love and a grand adventure" fantasy perfectly."

She's also crediting me with performing two amazing feats with my writing. Like what you ask? Well, read the review and find out. Or better yet, read the book!

And that's amazing in a good way, mind you. Me, I'm just amazed altogether. I guess I shouldn't be though. After all, it is one of my favorite of my stories and I must have some taste. Don'tcha think?

Anyway, not content to languish in her big brother's erotic romance shadow, Waiting for the Big One also garnered her share of praise with two reviews.

From Deborah at Blue City Romance: "A dog-walking actress, her gorgeous male friend and a hot new neighbor, all add up to one fun and sexy read from author P.G. Forte."

And from Jai at The Romance Zone who called it, "a fantastic summer read. Chick lit meets erotica at it's finest. P.G. Forte has the ability to write exquisite love scenes."

2007-07-09

Think the Astrology police will get me if I mention that Mercury went direct today? Ah, it's always a relief when that happens. But there's almost nothing better than a new release...well, first rave review of said new release would be nice as well. lol!

Total amnesia is not what Richie Valenzuela had planned on when he drugged his cousin. A few missing hours, which could easily be blamed on April’s having had too much to drink, was all he was aiming for. And he certainly never expected the reclusive heiress to slip out the club’s back door with the sexy guitarist she’d been making eyes at all night.

Zach Harris is sure the girl he’d picked up the night before had told him her name was Angel. Too bad she didn’t tell him anything more about herself, because, this morning, it’s not just him she can’t remember, she doesn’t even know her own name!

What April views as a problem, however, Zach sees as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; a chance for her to discover who she really is. Not her name or her address, but the important stuff. Her personality. Her likes and dislikes. Her preferences—in and out of bed.

2007-07-07

I've been tagged by Lisa Andel so I have to come up with eight more facts/habits/nuggets of information about myself. This is harder than you might imagine 'cause--really--I'm just not that interesting!

But I'll try my best. Don't I always? lol!

First, the rules:

a. Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.

b. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.

c. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Okay, so...

#1. I currently have seven tattoos, five of which were given to me by my awesome tattoo artist son.

#2. I think my next tattoo ought to be a chameleon due to my ridiculously eclectic tastes (tea AND coffee, vanilla AND chocolate, beer AND wine, mountains AND seashore, Spring AND Fall, city AND country...well, you get the idea) all of which I blame on the fact that I'm a Pisces and...

#3. Yes, I really do talk about astrology as much as Gabby, the main character in my book, Waiting for the Big One. A frightening thought, no doubt, for some reviewers who haven't really liked that about her but...

#4. I don't talk about it nearly as much as my husband does. Oh, yeah...and he's a Scorpio too, JFYI.

#6. I tend to obsess about things. When I first discovered Sesame noodles I ate them every day (sometimes twice a day) for weeks. This is a trait I share with many of my characters. I also like to Alphabetize things (note the list above). That's something I share with my character Zach, from Love, From A to Z...which is being released on MONDAY. Zach's a Pisces too, btw.

#7. I'm going on a Virtual Book Tour next month and I just got this neat banner to promote it:

2007-06-15

Total amnesia is not what Richie Valenzuela had planned on when he drugged his cousin. A few missing hours, which could easily be blamed on April’s having had too much to drink was all he was aiming for. And he certainly never expected the reclusive heiress to slip out the club’s back door with

the sexy guitarist she’d been making eyes at all night.

Zach Harris is sure the girl he’d picked up the night before had told him her name was Angel. Too bad she didn’t tell him anything more about herself, because, this morning, it’s not just him she can’t remember, she doesn’t even know her own name!

What April views as a problem, however, Zach sees as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; a chance for her to discover who she really is. Not her name or her address, but the important stuff. Her personality. Her likes and dislikes. Her preferences—in and out of bed.

I'm very excited about this one. We've been blogging all week at Wicked Whispers Erotica about our favorite male characters and I have to say that while I love all my heroes, the hero of this book--Zach--is right up there at the top of the list. I hope you all will love him as much as I do.

But here's a taste...

This scene takes place the morning after Zach and April meet. This is when she first realizes that something's wrong with her memory, and, at first, she tries very hard to deny it....

I lay with my head on his chest, listening to the thundering of his heart, while his hands stroked slowly over my back and we both struggled for breath. But, even then, even that soon afterwards, I could feel the anxiety rising within me.

Are you cold?" he asked as he reached for the sheet.

I shook my head. "No, I’m fine. Really." Kissing him lightly on the lips, I slid out of bed. I was shivering all right, but not from cold. Reaction was setting in now, and all I wanted was to get out of here, to get away, to go home.

Frowning, he propped himself up on his elbow. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"I have to go," I said, grabbing my clothes from the floor.

"Now?"

"I uh, yes. I have things to do." I couldn’t find my underwear, and didn’t feel like searching for it. So, he’d have a souvenir of our time together. I could live with that, I supposed.

"Just like that, huh?" Sounding vaguely disgruntled, he removed the used condom and tossed it into the waste basket. "Well…shit, at least give me your phone number, all right? So I can call you sometime?"

His frown deepened. "Look, Angel, did I miss something in the last couple of minutes? Is anything wrong?"

I shook my head. "No." Nothing was wrong, nothing at all. Why should I remember my own phone number, anyway? It was early in the day, I’d just gotten up, my head ached and, besides, it’s not like I made a habit of calling myself, right? "What could be wrong?"

"I dunno. In your jacket maybe?" He gestured toward an armchair, just inside the door.

"My jacket. Right." As I lunged for the gray, suede jacket draped over the back of the chair, he got out of bed and headed toward me; still naked and semi-erect. I tried not to stare.

"Here." He held out the slip of paper he’d been writing on.

I left off searching through my jacket pockets long enough to take it, smiling as I read what he’d written, not just his number, but his name, as well. Thank God! "Thanks, Zach. I’ll call you." Probably I would, too, if only to explain why I wouldn’t be seeing him again. I folded the paper and carefully stowed it in one of the pockets I’d already checked, then resumed my search.

"I thought we could at least have breakfast together," Zach complained, still sounding disgruntled. He stroked his hand down my arm. "C’mon, it’s Saturday. Do you really have to rush off like this?"

I nodded. "I’m kind of in a hurry." Fingers trembling I checked inside the last pocket, it was as empty as the rest. My knees were shaking so hard now, I couldn’t stand. "There’s nothing in here," I muttered as I sank down in the chair, trying to think, trying not to think. I had no money, no keys, no license, no ID. But, maybe there was nothing odd about that. Maybe I didn’t need a license, or a key. Maybe I didn’t have a car. Maybe I lived with people who would let me in. What terrified me was the fact that I couldn’t remember.

He nodded. "Yeah, it figures, doesn’t it? You came into the bar with him, right? So probably you gave him your stuff to hold onto. Or maybe you left it in his car, or something, and just forgot."

I clung to his hands and his words and tried not to cry. "Okay. That makes sense, I guess."

"Sure it does." Rising, he crossed the room again and grabbed his phone. "Here. Why don’t you give him a call and find out? It’ll be cool. You’ll see."

I shook my head. "I uh, I can’t call. I don’t remember his number."

"Oh." He returned the phone to its stand and then sighed. "Okay, well, still not a problem. I’ll just get dressed and give you a ride over there. How’s that sound?"

I wrapped my arms around myself and swallowed hard. It sounded great, except for one small detail. "I don’t know where he lives."

"You don’t?" His voice sounded skeptical, I didn’t blame him. Surely, I should know where my own cousin lived, shouldn’t I? He sighed. "Well, okay, scratch that plan, then. Where do you live? I’ll just take you home and we can–"

"I don’t know." My voice sounded so calm, so matter of fact, no one would ever guess that I was dying on the inside. But, something was wrong all right, and I’d just realized what. "I can’t remember that either."

2007-06-05

I know, I know. I should have had my new covers and links up weeks ago, but housekeeping has never been my forte.

*slight pause while you all groan in unison*

I could be brutally honest and admit it's never even been a mild interest, but that would be too much like airing my own dirty laundry...and, well, laundry! That goes back to the whole issue of housekeeping, now doesn't it?

So, let's just move on.

I've updated my links, added a few more cool blogs to the column at right, updated my profile...slightly...and just generally cleaned things up.

Spring cleaning. In June. Right on schedule. Not!

All my covers can now be seen over there on the right, as well, including my newest cover for Love, From A to Z. if you like what you see, click on the link and you can read an excerpt. Want more? Then be sure to check out CoffeeTime Romance's Exotic Group this Thursday when I'll join the other fabulous authors of Wicked Whispers Erotica for a little chat.

Then be sure and join us from 11 a.m. EDT to 2 p.m. EDT, this Thursday, June 7 for chatter, news, excerpts, updates--whatever we can think of to throw at you. And, oh, yeah, what's a chat without prizes?

Veronica Arch, Amelia June, Melissa Glisen and I post something new there every week day. This week's theme is Dreams--stop by and find out what we have to say about that! Also, every Wednesday is Hottie Hump Day. I know you can guess what we post then, huh? Can't wait to see the dreamy hunks Veronica will be posting for us all to enjoy this week. mmm.

2007-05-28

As an author of erotic romance, I suppose I should think twice about all the ways in which the title of this post might be misconstrued.

Long Time Coming.Hmmmm. Okay, I've thought. Go ahead. Think what you will. It works on all sorts of levels...like all the best titles do.

Want proof?

Tonight's post is my first in a while. It's long overdue. That's Level One.

Tonight's post is about my first new release in over nine months. Looong overdue. Level Two.

Tonight's post is about a book that was previously published elsewhere, but not by the publisher it was originally intended for (which is where it is now, thank the Fates). So, this release, a loooong time after the story was written and after many mysterious twists and turns is, you guessed it. Level Three.

Then there's the story itself. The story of love delayed, denied, and made to wait. Level Four.

Then there's you. The impatient blog post reader who, at this point, has to be wondering, "will she ever get to the damn point???" I will, I will. But that's still Level Five.

Waiting for the Big Oneis my first novella and a radical departure for me in terms of style, length, subject matter...almost everything, a fact anyone familiar with my Oberon seriescan attest to.

It's light. It's humorous. It's amazingly short, especially for having been written right on the heels of the amazingly long, Dream Under the Hill. It's quirky--something that some of us consider to be a good thing. Not Mrs. Giggles, perhaps, but...well, you know, Other People. People who are less put-off by idiosyncratic, astrologically obsessed, Piscean characters...or was that idiosyncratic, astrologically obsessed, Piscean authors? Same difference, I suppose.

In any case, I'm quite proud of it (and its beautiful cover) and I'd love you to check it out here. Or here. Or here.

Actually buying it wouldn't hurt my feelings any, either. lol!

And, just to (hopefully) intrigue you, here's the blurb:

Like everyone else in LA, actress Gabby Brown is waiting for The Big One. The big break that will make her a star. The big quake that will rock the city to its knees. Or, in her case, the Big O—the elusive, G-spot, ultra orgasm. She thinks she's found the guy who’ll give it to her when she meets Zach, the super hot musician who's just moved into her building. But Gabby's quest to find true love and ultimate pleasure with the rock guitarist of her dreams is complicated by her friendship with Derek, the martial arts instructor with whom she's co-writing a screenplay.

Gabby has refused to even consider Derek for the role of soul mate because she fears sex will ruin their friendship. But, Derek has ideas of his own, and they don’t include sharing Gabby with anybody.

When an early morning earthquake precipitates a crisis at her day job—dog-walking the pampered pets of Hollywood's elite, off leash in Runyon Canyon Park—Gabby turns to Derek for help. His actions force her to re-evaluate her feelings about mixing sex and friendship.